Stroke Rehabilitation

Kathleen Leavy, R.N., A.P. has been practicing scalp acupuncture for stroke rehabilitation since 1992; stimulating areas of the scalp – which lie over hypofuctioning, atrophied, or injured brain tissue – will increase blood flow, oxygenation and lead to improved function of brain tissues.

Scalp Acupuncture has been practiced since the 1960’s in China. It was first developed by a Neurologist who was familiar with modern maps of the brain, which correlate with receptive and functional cortex zones that are well documented. This has been shown to be correct with functional MRI studies. Improvement at first is temporary but with persistent treatments this improvement can become permanent. Long lasting improvement is thought to represent increased circulation that may imply the development of collateral circulation and perhaps neruogenisis.

In China scalp acupuncture is used in the treatment of many central nervous system diseases and protocols have been developed for diseases such as stroke, head trauma, cerebral palsy, encephalitis-meningitis sequale, Parkinson’s, dementias, memory loss, cortical blindness, nerve deafness, and epilepsy.

Predicting prognosis regarding favorable response to scalp acupuncture includes cases in which the insult is more superficial and cortical, more recent, and more related to ischemia or infarct. Poor prognosis in response to scalp acupuncture is predicted in cases with a deeper more cerebellar insult, those with intracranial bleeding, post injury > 6 months, and chronic degenerative conditions.

Risks of Scalp Acupuncture and Body Acupuncture:

Infection at the needling site

Bleeding at the needling site

Nerve pain and injury to nerve.

Broken needle

Injury to internal organ

Fainting or needle reaction

Kathleen often use electrostimuation of acupuncture points in the scalp known to improve muscular strength in order to reconnect communication between the injured cortex and the affected limbs. By combining scalp and body acupuncture there is an enhanced effect. Often in response to body acupuncture stimulation over the major motor nerves of the arm and leg we will see spontaneous muscular movement. This style of acupuncture using the scalp and body reconnects the communication between the injured cortex and the affected limbs. If the presentation is that of contracture the Motor and Motor Suppressor areas would both be stimulated.

In China it is widely recognized that scalp needle retention for up to 8 hours improves results as the patient can do exercise, and receive Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy treatments with the advantage of improved cortical circulation during the therapy.

Did you know?

INFECTIONS
Sugar can be poured directly into an infected wound. It will kill all bacteria, even multi drug resistant kinds. The sugar will also draw serum into the area and cleanse the wound. The sugar will need to be reapplied as it liquefies.

The suction caused by the sugar will help to draw the wound together so it heals with less scaring. The serum as it dries in the wound will help to prevent re infection.

The cleansing of the wound and killing of the bacteria will take about 3 days. This has been studied and is very effective.

Honey is also very effective in healing wounds and has more complex properties than sugar. Sugar and honey can save a life!

Cart

I have had two massive heart emergency surgeries a year ago and haven’t been able to regain my strength as I was on my deathbed for several weeks. I am now just beginning to return to my normal energy level. It is a slow road, but a good one. It is great and I feel good, and trust her. It seems as though my feet want to do a little dance as I walk the wooden walk up to her office door. I will continue to accept her treatments and highly recommend her to all my friends and neighbors. Bless you Kathleen. Receiving treatment for: ~11 years

Mary Ranc

After my first visit seeing Kathleen I already experienced great results. I was full of energy, slept better than ever before and my overall happiness in life had increased. My treatments helped me not on a physical level but on an emotional and mental level. I’m thankful that I was introduced to Acupuncture so that I could experience the wonderful health benefits it has to offer. Receiving treatment for: 5 months.

Brigitte

When you go and get treated, its nice to breath a sigh of relief when you enter an office. We have made brave headway here in this office. Everyone adds to the atmosphere of healing. Kathleen knows what she is doing. She has done her homework. Kathleen continues her research, teaches, and shares her wisdom freely. Kathleen continues to amaze us. My husband had an open wound and our estimated time for healing was 3 months. She told us about a method to heal sores with sugar and the wound closed up in 2 weeks! To have taken wound care out of the equation, as a caregiver, was monumental! The mutual support among employees and students coupled with patient equals a healing synergetic relationship satisfying for all! Receiving treatment for: several months.

Rose

The acupuncture has helped me in more ways then I know. I came to Kathleen and her staff for blood sugar issues. After my first treatment my blood sugar was in normal range. I never medicated and never will because of a near fatal reaction to prescription drugs. I know that Kathleen is using her God given talents to help people become and stay healthy. She has certainly helped me beyond my expectations to lead me down a healthy path! Many, many, many thanks! Receiving treatment: 1 year.

Celeste

Kathleen is wonderful. Her presence alone is super calming and centered and she is a a gifted healer. She has helped me to recover as a triathlete from lots of over training in which my body really suffered and was strained. Now I feel stronger and more skilled every day. Kathleen has certainly helped me reach my personal best every day. Receiving treatment: 3 visits

Val

My hearing is already so much better that i will probably not have to make a return visit. This was my introduction to natural medicine. You did a lot of work. I was amazed at the fine results. It gave me complete confidence in your medical skills. This made me wonder about the majority of people who do not have a friend refer them to a practitioner of natural medicine. I think i am lucky that i came to you instead of going to a doctor of customary medicine.